Whether you are walking down the vitamin aisle at your local grocery store or have ventured out to the health food store packed with supplements of every type and shape, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with your number of choices!
Not only are you deciding what you need to take and what form is best, but there are also liquids, soft gels, tablets, capsules, gummies, chewable, and powders. With so many brands and types of vitamins, it’s hard to know where to start. Not all supplements are created equally, so in this article, we’ll make it easy to help you choose your next supplement.
A Quick Note On Bioavailability
First, we must briefly address bioavailability before discussing all the other characteristics that separate the good, bad, and ugly in the world of supplements. Bioavailability is how well the body will absorb the nutrient. To sum it up, Less expensive vitamins often mean low bioavailability formulas. So, while you think you are getting a bargain, you are really getting ripped off. Check out our blog on bioavailability and the Different Forms of Vitamins for more information.
Check The Label
While the FDA does not regulate supplement manufacturers, the FDA has regulations on supplement packaging requirements. There are no requirements to show the form of the vitamin or mineral included in the supplement.
Most reputable vitamin and supplement companies will list the form of the nutrient they are providing. For example, on Bump’s CalMag + D&K, we list “Calcium (as calcium citrate).” However, other companies might choose not to list the form of the nutrient on their label, which can be confusing when trying to select the most bioavailable form of the supplement. Instead, look for labels that show exactly what form of nutrient you will be ingesting. This will determine if it’s worth paying for and will benefit your health.
How To Choose Between Gummies, Liquids, And Powders
The next thing consumers generally look at when selecting their next supplement is the delivery mechanism of the supplement. To choose the right one for you, it’s essential to understand more about each supplement.
Gummies
While those gummies are delicious and appealing for those who dislike swallowing pills, they are not delivering as much as their tablet or capsule counterparts.
Gummies are not very good at carrying minerals and are inconsistent in their active ingredient content. In addition, they contain sugar and other sweeteners to make them taste good and, frequently, artificial colorings to make them look more appetizing. Overall, gummy vitamins are in the ugly category.
- Not a stable way to deliver minerals
- Have varying consistency
- May have harmful ingredients
Liquids And Powders
Some of the other common types of supplements you might find on the shelves are liquids and powders.
The main problem with liquids is, again, the sweeteners to make them taste good, artificial colors, and it is not portable. Most liquids will need refrigerated after opening. So liquids won’t be a good choice if you are a frequent flyer or like to take your vitamins to work or on the go.
Powders are more portable and can be included in protein shakes or other beverages easily if they are not sweetened. However, if sweetened, they present the same issues as liquids and gummies with sugars or other artificial sweeteners and artificial ingredients. Also, laboratory testing has shown that powdered supplements can have high levels of heavy metals, including lead, arsenic, and vanadium.
Look For Products With These Labels
There are a few things you can look for on supplement labels to ensure you are getting the good supplements and not the bad and the ugly.
USP
USP, or United States Pharmacopeia, is an independent organization that offers certifications to manufacturers that meet specific standards. This certification means that the manufacturer has submitted their product to third-party testing and the supplement contains the ingredients at the potency levels on the label, does not contain harmful levels of specified contaminants, will break down in the body in a set amount of time, and has been made following the FDA’s current good manufacturing practices.
GMP
GMP, or Good Manufacturing Practices, means that the manufacturer follows all of the FDA’s good manufacturing practices. Any manufacturer that is USP certified will also have the GMP certification, as USP requires to be GMP certified.
NSF
NSF International, or the National Sanitation Foundation, is another independent agency that verifies the safety and legitimacy of supplements. They certify and audit manufacturers and ensure that all products are third-party tested by impartial auditors, all label claims and ingredients are verified, and the manufacturing facilities are GMP certified.
Conclusion
Are you still feeling a little overwhelmed? Good news! Bump vitamins has already done the research and leg work to obtain only the best nutrients for our vitamin packs. Our vitamins and supplements are highly bioavailable and manufactured by USP, GMP, and NSF manufacturers. We also take the guesswork out of selecting which vitamins you should take.
Take our quick assessment; your custom plan will be ready in minutes. Our formulas are specifically designed for women in all life stages, experienced mommas, new mommas, mommas to-be, and the ladies that don’t want to be mommas. Our approach is simple. Only the best supplements, convenient subscription service, and zero waste or plastic.
As with any new vitamin or supplement, please check with your qualified healthcare professional before starting any new product. They will be able to help you identify any possible drug interactions and possible side effects based on your current medical status. And remember, dietary supplements are just that. They supplement your diet, but they do not replace a healthy diet. So remember to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
